St. John's Co-Cathedral, Baroque cathedral in Valletta, Malta
Description
St. John's Co-Cathedral is a Baroque church in Valletta with richly ornamented interiors and extensive artwork throughout the space. The building features gilded walls, vaulted ceilings, and detailed paintings depicting scenes from the life of Saint John across its walls and dome.
History
Construction began in 1572 under Grand Master Jean de la Cassière, with Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar directing the work through its completion in 1577. This building became a central religious and symbolic place for the island's community and the Order.
Culture
The floor holds over 400 inlaid marble tombstones honoring knights and officers of the Order of Saint John who shaped this place. Walking across them connects you to the history of the people who once gathered here.
Practical
The building is open on weekdays and Saturdays, allowing time to explore the interior at a relaxed pace. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the stone floors, and be prepared for dim lighting that requires your eyes to adjust when you first enter.
Did you know?
An oratory within the building holds Caravaggio's largest painting, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. This work stands as the only known painting by the artist bearing his signature.
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Malta combines thousands of years of history with varied coastal landscapes across a compact island area of 122 square miles (316 square kilometers). The capital Valletta contains major structures including the Co-Cathedral of St. John with its Caravaggio paintings, the National Museum of...
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